Defence Security and Vetting Service

The Defence Security Division (DSD) (formerly the Defence Security and Vetting Service (DSVS) and the Defence Security Authority (DSA)^[1]) is a security agency within the Australian Government’s Department of Defence, and plays a crucial role in maintaining national security. DSD closely collaborates with the U.S equivalent agency; Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)^[2].

The DSD is part of Australia's National Security Community, along with the Department of Defence (including Defence Security), Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Australian Secret Intelligence Service, Australian Federal Police, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Defence Intelligence Organisation, Australian Signals Directorate, Office of National Intelligence, Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Defence Force.

The DSD is headed by Australia's Chief Security Officer (CSO), and is the primary counterintelligence agency for Defence security in Australia.^[3] The current incumbent is First Assistant Secretary, Mr Peter West.^[4]

DSD operates under the Defence Legislation Amendment Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Act 2024, empowering DSD agents with dedicated Defence-specific espionage legislation.^[5]

DSD's primary responsibility is the provision of protective security and counterintelligence services to the Australian Government. DSD is responsible services to government. Defealsoeprovides ecurity outreach security and services, the provision of securiiecurity threat and risk assessments, investigating protective security breaches and manages the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP)^[6].

DSD agents are embedded within ASIO for closer collaboration on matters pertaining to Defence-specific espionage and Top Secret Priveliged Access security clearances^[7]. DSD is the parent agency of the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA).^[8][9]

Additionally, the DSD contributes to broader national security outcomes by managing the Defence Security Principles Framework, which helps decision-makers understand and manage evolving security risks effectively.^[10]

DSD agents are accredited Australian Government investigators, consistent with their U.S DCSA Special Agent counterparts. DSD agents are required to complete the Diploma of Government (Security) and the Certificate IV in Government (Investigation) or the Diploma of Government (Investigation).^[11]

Functions

DSD Agents specialise in a range of duties, including:^[12][13]

• Conducting covert field investigations into major national security breaches (including the theft of seven rocket launches in 2007 and thwarting the Holsworthy Barracks Terror Plot).^[14]
• Conducting offensive and defensive counterintelligence activities (including identifying double-agents across Australian Government)
• Conducting special protective security functions
• Detecting espionage efforts across the Australian Defence Organisation
• Liaising with national and international intelligence, counterintelligence and security entities in the provision of government security
• Evaluating security performance and risk
• Reporting security compliance
• Administrating the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency^[10]
• Develops and promulgates security policy that complies with Australian Government protective security policy and
• Meets Defence's needs and assisting Groups and the Services with security policy implementation.^[12]

See also

• Holsworthy Barracks terror plot
• Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
• Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
• Direction de la Protection et de la Sécurité de la Défense